Toy game

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a toy game comprising a self-propelled vehicle ( 3 ) and at least two deflection elements ( 1, 2 ) which are adapted to deflect the travelling direction of the vehicle ( 3 ) on a base. The invention is characterized in that the elements comprise a curved, concave track for approximately frictionless cooperation with one of the sides of the vehicle and comprise an underside and a grip configured such that a player can reorient and move the element on the base of the vehicle quickly and without obstacles.

[0001] Known in the art are toys having deflection elements which areadapted to deflect the travelling direction of a self-propelled vehicle,see e.g. GB A 2 268 417 or U.S. Pat. No. 3,442,047.

[0002] The object of the invention is to provide a new toy game.

[0003] This object is achieved in that the game comprises deflectionelements known per se and a self-propelled vehicle, and in that thedeflection elements comprise a curved, concave track for approximatelyfrictionless cooperation with one of the sides of the vehicle, and inthat the deflection elements comprise an underside and a grip configuredsuch that a player can reorient and move the deflection elements on thebase of the vehicle quickly and without obstacles.

[0004] The game will preferably be used by two persons, and when playingthe game one player sends the vehicle toward the other player who, bymeans of his deflection element, catches the vehicle and diverts it in adirection toward the first player. An essential prerequisite for theplayer's ability to catch and divert the vehicle easily is that thevehicle is caught in the concave, curved track which cooperates with oneof the sides of the vehicle. With the above-mentioned known deflectionelements, the direction-changing curved track must be received betweenthe wheels of the vehicle, and moreover they are not adapted to be movedand repositioned quickly. The curved track element may also berepositioned during the time when the vehicle cooperates with the curvedtrack. In this connection it is sufficient that the deflection elementis curved e.g. 60, even though the direction of travel is to be changedabout 180, because part of the directional change of the vehicle iscaused by the deflection element being turned around, whereby the gamewill also gain more speed.

[0005] The sides of the vehicle may advantageously comprisefriction-reducing areas for cooperation with the curved track of thedeflection element. This may be provided for in that the cooperatingparts comprise smooth plastics surfaces, but the vehicle may also beprovided with rollers or wheels having vertical axes of rotation.

[0006] The versatility of the game may be enhanced additionally in thatthe vehicle has means which are adapted to change the direction oftravel. This may take place either by way of a steering mechanism or byway of a reversing mechanism capable of switching between forward andreverse. When the means are adapted to be mechanically affected, thismay take place in connection with the vehicle striking an obstacle. Themeans may also be activated electronically either via a remote controlor via a control program in the vehicle.

[0007] Of course, more than two players may participate in the game,which therefore also comprises more than two deflection elements.Likewise, the game may comprise several vehicles, thereby additionallyincreasing the concentration and excitement of the game.

[0008] The game may also comprise a score device which is adapted tocount points when it is struck by the vehicle. The score device willtypically be arranged at a place halfway between the players.

[0009] The game may also comprise obstacles, and the vehicle may beadapted such that the means for changing the travelling direction of thevehicle are affected by the collision with an obstacle.

[0010] To provide for additional variations, the deflection elements maycomprise means for cooperating with the vehicle for releasing anejection mechanism, which may e.g. comprise ejection of projectiles.

[0011] The deflection elements may be flexible so that their curvaturemay be changed during the game, but preferably the deflection elementscomprise a plurality of sections that may be assembled releasably. Thesections may comprise curved members and straight members so that theplayer himself can design his deflection element.

[0012] The invention will be explained more fully below with referenceto the following description of some embodiments with reference to thedrawing, in which

[0013]FIG. 1 shows an explanatory sketch of the game according to theinvention,

[0014]FIG. 2 shows a self-propelled vehicle for use in connection withthe game according to the invention,

[0015]FIG. 3 shows a deflection element according to the invention,

[0016] FIGS. 4-6 illustrate various functions of the vehicle of FIG. 2,while

[0017]FIG. 7 shows details of the deflection element shown in FIG. 3.

[0018]FIG. 1 shows a pair of players, preferably children, who each havea deflection element 1 and 2 which they can hold in their hands anddisplace in all directions on a base, e.g. a floor. A self-propelledvehicle 3 runs the base. The game thus comprises catching the vehicle 3from the opponent with one's own deflection element and sending thevehicle back to the opponent. The vehicle may be sent off in variousdirections and is given different speeds when it leaves the deflectionelement as a consequence of the centrifugal force if the deflectionelement is simultaneously turned around. The versatility and play valueof the game, as explained above in connection with FIG. 1, will bedescribed more fully with reference to the following figures.

[0019] The vehicle 3 in FIG. 1 may be constructed like the vehicle shownin FIG. 2. The vehicle has an electric motor (not shown) with associatedbattery as well as an electrical reversing switch that may be affectedas described more fully below. The front wheels 4, 5 of the vehicle arepreferably made of hard and smooth plastics which gives low frictionagainst the smooth concave and curved deflection track of the deflectionelements. The rear wheels, of which the rear wheel 6 can be seen, arenormally made of rubber owing to the propulsion force, and to preventthe rubber from providing a too great friction against the deflectionelements, the embodiment shown includes a hub cap 7 of hard plasticswhich gives low friction against the deflection elements. The vehiclealso has a gun 8 with a projectile 9 and a release mechanism 10 which,when affected mechanically, releases a lock mechanism in the gun so thatthe projectile 9 is fired, see FIG. 4.

[0020] The vehicle shown in FIG. 2 moreover has a movable front portion11 with coupling studs 12, 13. When the coupling studs are affectedrearwards, the entire front portion 11 will be pushed rearwards, andalso the arms 14 and 15 are pivoted rearwards. Hereby, an electricalswitch (not shown) is affected so that the travelling direction of thevehicle is changed from forward to reverse. The various positions of thefront portion 11 are achieved by means of expediently located pivotpoints relative to rubber bands, of which the rubber band 16 can beseen.

[0021]FIG. 4 shows an activation mechanism 17 which is secured to adeflection element 2, and which has an activation arm 18 that may beaffected by a finger, so that the activation mechanism 17 extendsinwards over the track of the vehicle and can strike the releasemechanism 10. This causes the projectile 9 to be fired, as shown at 9 ain FIG. 4. The player can try to hit the opponent with the projectile 9.

[0022]FIG. 5 shows an obstacle 20 and also shows a bumper 21 which ismounted on the coupling studs 12, 13 in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 moreover shows adriver 22 who is placed on the front portion 11 (FIG. 2).

[0023] When the bumper 21 hits the obstacle 20, the front portion 11will be pushed backwards and upwards forwardly, whereby the upwardlyextending forks of the bumper 21 catch the obstacle 20. When the frontportion 11 pivots back, it will affect the electrical switch such thatthe travelling direction is changed from forward to reverse, whereby thevehicle carries along the obstacle 20 in the rearward movement.

[0024]FIG. 6 shows another possible variation, including a portal with acrossbar 26 that carries a plate 27. When an upwardly extending arm 28 ohits the plate 27, the arm 28 will affect the electrical switch eitherdirectly or through the front portion 11, so that the vehicle switchesfrom forward to reverse. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the frontportion of the vehicle has a slot for receiving a wheel or a roller 29,which is disposed freely inside the fork of the front portion. At themoment when the vehicle is reversed from forward to reverse, the wheel29 will roll on and be sent out in a direction toward the opponent.

[0025] It will be appreciated that other activities than those describedabove may be introduced, and that the players themselves can choose whatthe game is to comprise. There may also be 3 or 4 players each having adeflection element of his own, and it is possible to play with two ormore vehicles at the same time. As a further possible variation, thedeflection elements may also be shaped differently.

[0026]FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the deflection element 30 accordingto the invention. The deflection element comprises four curved sections31-34, which are identical, and which are curved corresponding to thecurve angle V. Moreover a pair of straight sections 35 and 36 areprovided, As shown at 37 and 38, the individual sections may be pushedtogether, which means that the user himself may decide how thedeflection element is to be configured. The straight sections 35 and 36need not be of the same length, and precisely the form of deflectionelement desired by the user may be obtained hereby. Alternatively, thedeflection element may be made of such an elastic material that theplayer can bend it in use.

1. A toy game comprising a self-propelled vehicle and at least twodeflection elements which are adapted to deflect the travellingdirection of the vehicle on a base, characterized in that the deflectionelements comprise a curved, concave track for approximately frictionlesscooperation with one of the sides of the vehicle and comprise anunderside and a grip configured such that a player can reorient and movethe element on the base of the vehicle quickly and without obstacles. 2.A game according to claim 1, characterized in that the sides of thevehicle comprise friction-reducing areas for cooperation with theconcave track of the deflection elements.
 3. A game according to claim 1or 2, characterized in that the cooperating parts comprise smoothplastics surfaces.
 4. A game according to claims 1-3, characterized inthat the vehicle has means which are adapted to change the travellingdirection of the vehicle.
 5. A game according to claim 4, characterizedin that the means comprise a steering mechanism.
 6. A game according toclaim 4 or 5, characterized in that the means comprise reversing of thepropulsion means between forward and reverse.
 7. A game according toclaims 4-6, characterized in that the reversing means are dependent on amovable bumper.
 8. A game according to claims 4-7, characterized in thatthe reversing means are dependent on a protruding antenna.
 9. A gameaccording to claims 1-8, characterized in that more than two deflectionelements are provided.
 10. A game according to claims 1-9, characterizedin that more than one vehicle is provided.
 11. A game according toclaims 1-10, characterized in that the game comprises a score devicewhich is adapted to count points when it is struck by a vehicle.
 12. Agame according to claims 1-10, characterized in that the game comprisesobstacles for mounting on the base of the vehicle.
 13. A game accordingto claim 6, characterized in that the vehicle is adapted to release anobject when changing direction of travel.
 14. A game according to claims1-13, characterized in that the vehicle has an ejection mechanism forejecting an object when an activation arm on the vehicle is affected.15. A game according to claims 1-14, characterized in that thedeflection elements are flexible.
 16. A game according to claims 1-15,characterized in that the deflection elements comprise a plurality ofinterconnected sections.
 17. A game according to claim 16, characterizedin that the sections comprise curved and straight parts.